Monday, May 13, 2013

YEMEN

SHIBAMSights & Sights
●Old City – alquaiti.com/home; UNESCO World Heritage site; distinct architecture; houses all made of mud brick; about 500 are tower houses, which rise 5-11 stories; each floor having 1-2 rooms; although in existence for estimated 1.7K years, most houses originate from 16th Century; oldest skyscraper city in world.

Sights & Sites
●Ayaft Canyon National park – Hadramaut (directly opposite airport); socotraisland.com/socotraisland/ayaft.html; large fresh waterpools where you can swim or soak; cucumber, frankincense, and tamarind trees; wide variety birds such as Socotra sparrow, Socotra sunbird, and both Socotra and Somali starlings; greenest place on island.
●Qalansiyah – romantic-looking, Arabic, small fishing village tucked between beautiful beach and palm trees clusters; here you can sail in local, handmade wooden craft; stay overnight in camp on beach or with local fishing family.